A Farewell to the King
By Sky Owens
Inspiration.
It has been said that inspiration is the fuel of greatness, whether in deed or thought.
Some of us have been blessed with divine inspiration, spurring us onto our chosen calling; others have been inspired into service for the good of all.
When a great inspiration departs our mortal realm, those left behind feel the loss, yet also the duty to carry on the teachings and spirit.

Martin Dwight Mendoza King Jr. was one of those inspirational men. He encouraged the people whose lives he touched in ways incalculable. To me, he was a friend, brother and fellow adventurer.

A founding member of ‘The Mayhemmers’ his goals gave direction to his associates, and also confidence that only a knowledgeable colleague could supply. Under the roof of Atomic City Comics in downtown Philadelphia Pennsylvania, he marshaled talent of all kinds. The store was hailed as the only black owned comic shop in Philly, much less in the tri-county area. But that wasn’t the only accomplishment under his belt.

As an artist in his own right, a writer, actor and businessman, there were a multitude of goals and deeds accomplished that could never fully be noted in these simple pages. Well-traveled and versed, he Martin knew statesmen, Actors and Celebrities of many medias. In his store, he gathered and showcased others, giving them the forum to display the things that gave them notice, that others merely gave lukewarm notice.

My first encounter with Mr. King was in the fall of 1983. I had recently been discharged from the United States Air force and sought admission into the ‘Joe Kubert School of Graphic arts and Cartooning.’ After being turned away for a moment of bad timing (I had missed the admission deadline) I was invited by a friend to join him on an excursion into the Creation Comic book Convention. This was my first endeavor so I didn’t know what to expect. Like most newbies, I was blown away by the pomp and circumstance. This ‘Dog and Pony show’ blew me away. There were beauties in colorful and revealing spandex, and there were some beasts as well. Some one should’ve told half of them that spandex isn’t flattering to everyone, especially in badly rendered costumes. But I had to give them credit for having the balls to show their balls…

But the thing that really caught my attention was a display booth of Black Artists and Creators under the studio name of ‘Gemini Graphix’. They consisted of both male and female contributors and stood out like the proverbial ‘horse on a housetop.’ Beaming with confidence, they displayed their ideas and visual accomplishments to the world. In the Center sat Martin King Jr.

People could not help but be drawn to this monolith of confidence, and I too, stood enthralled. We struck up a conversation, which resulted in the beginnings of a future union of talents. He felt that we should rally our abilities, much like the ‘Justice League’ and do some good. From that point, things began to look better. I had no idea, like many, how to enter the world of comic books.

Not having any role models, much less partners in crime to bandy concepts back and forth with, I felt my style and understanding stagnate under the withering gaze of the ambivalent ‘Professionals’. Once Mr. King applied his knowledge, he was able to cut to the chase and lead me towards the right direction of progress. Through him, I also met Paris Cullins. (That is a story for another time…) His words were insightful and diplomatic, meant to teach rather than offend or castigate, as the pros were want to do.
Although I was years older, I felt as if I was in the presence of a wise elder. When talking and listening, you felt an fair exchange of knowledge between you. He had a way of accepting your ideas but also incorporating them with his suggestions, which made them unique. In order to do that, one had to supplant ones own ego.

His love for the Japanese culture, the language, the history and its entertainment was unmatched, even to this day. He was definitely before his time, and now America is slowly catching up with his fascination, which led the way. He helped spread the interest and played a large part in its acceptance. He knew and communicated with Japanese artists and creators introducing them to American producers, playing the role of liaison for business interaction.

His contributions to friends and colleagues are too many to place in words, yet many can attest that his influence inspired us to our present state of being. The mini series of London Night Studios ‘Demonique’ volume 2 was a collaborative effort by Mr. King and myself, he supplying writing and direction. On occasion, he also supplied character designs. There were a few projects I assisted him on with designs. It was a symbiotic collaboration.

Suffice to say, I owe him a great debt that I will do my damnest to fulfill it. I hope that I can inspire others as he had and to this day, still does. I bid thee farewell and know that the world is a bleaker place, yet the heavens shine forever with one more bright star in its midst.